Work will soon begin on a new laboratory space for the department of psychology at Salem College. A generous grant of $50,000 from the Cobb Foundation will provide primary funding for the renovation of existing space in the Rondthaler Science Building and for the purchase of lab equipment. 

“The new psychology laboratory will enable our students to actively apply principles of psychological science as they learn them in the classroom,” says Dr. Mary Jacobsen, associate professor of psychology and chair of the department. “Although courses provide the foundation for knowledge, hands-on exposure to the research aspects of psychology enhances critical thinking skills that are necessary to utilize that knowledge.”

The space is scheduled for completion for the 2015-16 academic year. It will be divided into four cubicles, a collaboratorium, and a common area with a conference table and resource materials. All of the spaces will have multipurpose functionality for individual and group work. Two of the cubicles will be soundproofed, and a one-way mirror will be installed between them in order to provide confidential space for research and educational observation.

A newly appointed psychology laboratory aligns with Salem’s recently announced capital campaign, which includes capital and technological infrastructures and the allocation of funds to build and/or renovate facilities for the sciences and mathematics. The $60 million campaign officially launched at a gala event on March 16, 2015.